Handy Holiday Reminders

There are a few things that a lot of people forget during the holidays, according to a survey by RadioShack. So you might want to double check your own to-do list, just to be sure that everyone's holiday can be jolly.

Thank you notes - 44 percent of those surveyed forget to write a note of thanks for a gift. Stock up on thank you cards early -- then put a "Thank You Day" on the family calendar between Christmas and New Year's so that everyone can take care of this important task before too much time goes by.

Batteries - 36 percent forget batteries for the gifts they buy. There's nothing more frustrating than getting excited about a new present, then not being able to use it right away because there are no batteries. When you buy an electronic gift, make sure you put the right size batteries in the cart before you check out. Stock up on some of the more common sizes in case someone else forgets the batteries for your gift, too.

Accessories for gifts - 31 percent tend to forget gift accessories, such as carrying cases, battery chargers, headphones or cleaning kits. If you're not sure what kind of accessories your gift should have, you can always include a gift card so that the recipient can buy just what they need later on. For more accessory and gift ideas, visit www.radioshack.com.

Hostess gifts - The holidays are filled with parties and special occasions, yet 29 percent don't remember to bring a host or hostess gift with them. Keep a little stash of ready-to-go gifts such as gourmet cocoas or coffees, boxed chocolates or scented candles so you have something handy for even the most last-minute events.

Receipts and return options - Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a gift just doesn't work out, so you need to make it easy for the recipient to return it. If you're one of the 70 percent who said they plan to do the majority of their holiday shopping in stores this year, be sure to ask for a gift receipt along with your regular receipt. If you're one of the 26 percent who plans to do 50 percent or more of shopping online, find out what the site's return policies are. Print up any documentation for the gift and make it available to the recipient should they need it.

Taking care of these little things now will help make the holidays go more smoothly, and let you enjoy them even more.

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